Senior defenseman Chris Murray had a shorthanded goal and two assists for UNH.

ESTERO, Fla.- Senior defenseman Chris Murray (Dover,
Mass.) tied a career-high with three points, including
the game-winning goal to help the No. 2 ranked
University of New Hampshire men's hockey team to a 5-2
win over Western Michigan of the CCHA in the
consolation game of the Florida College Classic on
Saturday afternoon at Germain Arena.

UNH struck three times in the third period to seal the
win for the Wildcats. Murray scored the game-winning
goal on the shorthand at 7:38 of the period, while
senior forward Brett Hemingway (Surrey, B.C.) posted
his sixth goal of the season at 12:06. Junior forward
Matt Forntaro (Calgary, Alberta) capped the scoring
with 3:51 left in the game for his second goal of the
game and ninth of the season. Western Michigan scored
its only two goals in the third period at 17:50 by
Brian Bicek and Kevin Labatte at 18:41.

The Wildcats took a 2-0 lead into the locker room at
the end of the first period. UNH got on the board only
58 seconds into the first period as Fornataro scored
his eighth goal of the season as he beat the goalie
glove side with a wrist shot from the right faceoff
circle. Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North
Vancouver, B.C.) and Murray earned assists on the
Fornataro tally. Junior forward Mike Radja (Yorkville,
Ill.) scored on a wrist shot from the left side of the
slot on a pass from senior forward Jacob Micflikier
(Winnipeg, Manitoba). Murray was also credited with
the assist to give the 'Cats a two-goal cushion at the
end of one period.

Junior goaltender Kevin Regan (South Boston, Mass.)
stopped all 32 shots by the Broncos in the win,
including 13 Western Michigan shots in the opening
period. Sophomore goalie Kirk Manke (Clifton Park,
N.Y.) played the final 3:51 in his first career
appearance as a Wildcat. Bronco netminder Daniel
Bellissimo totaled 27 saves in the losing effort.
UNH's penalty kill stopped all 10 power play chances
by the Broncos, which included three 5x3 power plays.
In the first period, Western Michigan outshot UNH,
13-12, while the teams went scoreless in the second
frame.

The Wildcats return to the ice on Friday, Jan. 5 at
Vermont. Game time at Gutterson Field House is 7:30
p.m. in Burlington, Vt. The game will be televised
live by the New England Sports Network (NESN) in the
opening game of the Hockey East television package.